Michael Flatley: Difference between revisions - Wikipedia

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| website = {{URL|https://www.michaelflatley.com/}}

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'''Michael Ryan Flatley''' (born July 16, 1958)<ref>{{cite news |last=Johnson |first=Lawrence A. |date=2001-06-15 |title=Former Chicago Plumber Brings His Remarkable Feat Back Home |work=[[The Chicago Tribune]] |quote=Born Michael Ryan Flatley July 16, 1958 to parents who emigrated from Ireland a decade earlier, Michael began dance lessons at age 4, taught by his grandmother, a champion Irish dancer.|page=5-2}}</ref> is an American dancer. He became known for creating and performing in [[Irish dance]] shows ''[[Riverdance]]'', ''[[Lord of the Dance (musical)|Lord of the Dance]]'', ''[[Feet of Flames]]'', ''[[Celtic Tiger Live]]'' and ''Michael Flatley's Christmas Dance Spectacular''. Flatley's shows have played to more than 60 million people in 60 countries and have grossed more than $1 billion.<ref name=halloffame/> He has also been an actor, writer, director, producer, musician, and philanthropist.

Flatley is credited with reinventing traditional Irish dance by incorporating new rhythms, syncopation, and upper body movements, which were previously absent from the dance. He formerly held the [[Guinness World Record]] for tap dancing 35 times per second and his feet were at one time insured for $57.6 million. Flatley retired from dance in 2016 due to constant spinal, knee, foot, and rib pain.<ref name=retire>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishcentral.com/culture/entertainment/michael-flatley-lord-of-the-dance-has-retired | title=Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley in his farewell performance | work=Irish Central | date=March 18, 2016}}</ref> In January 2023, it was reported that he was being treated for "an aggressive cancer".

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===''Lord of the Dance'' and ''Feet of Flames''===

After the Riverdance split, Flatley created his own show, ''[[Lord of the Dance (musical)|Lord of the Dance]]'', which was capable of playing in arenas and stadiums aside from traditional theaters. It premiered in June 1996 at the Point Theatre (now [[3Arena]]) in Dublin, the same venue where Riverdance premiered, then made its U.K. premiere at the [[London Coliseum]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.lordofthedance.com/the-show/michael-flatley/ | title=Lord of the Dance: MICHAEL FLATLEY}}</ref> The music for the show was composed by [[Ronan Hardiman]]. In 1997, Flatley earned £36 million, rankingmaking him 25th among the world's 25th-highest earning entertainersentertainer in the world.<ref name=flat/>

In 1998, Flatley created an expanded version of the show called ''[[Feet of Flames]]'' which served as its one-off performance and his final performance in Lord of the Dance. It was performed outdoors in the [[Rotten Row]]/Route of Kings<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.irishamerica.com/honoree/michael-flatley/ |title=Michael Flatley |date=January 2011}}</ref> area of [[Hyde Park, London]] on a 4-tier hydraulic stage, with a live band, and over 100 dancers performing on all four levels of the stage during the finale. Ronan Hardiman's music from the original Lord of the Dance was used again, along with new compositions, also by Hardimanof himselfhis.<ref>{{cite web | title=Feet Of Flames | url=https://www.ronanhardiman.com/projects/feet-of-flames/}}</ref> The show featuredhad six new numbers;, one of which is Flatley's solo.

Following the success of the 1998 Hyde Park show, Flatley produced another version of ''Feet of Flames'' in 1999, which included half of the original show and half new material. Titled ''Feet of Flames: The Victory World Tour'', the show was performed also on a multi-level stage and toured Europe in 2000 and the U.S. in 2001.<ref name=retire/>

===''Celtic Tiger''===

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Flatley wrote "I will be a dancer until the day I die" in the program book of the show.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.pressreader.com/ireland/sunday-independent-ireland/20061119/281698315250530 | title=He's a whirlwind on stage but the Lord of the Dance is human after all | work=[[Sunday Independent (Ireland)]] | date=November 19, 2006}}</ref>

On November 15, 2006, prior to the autumn andplanned winterEuropean toursperformances of the show, Flatley was admitted to a private London hospital with a viral infection.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.reuters.com/article/people-flatley-dc/celtic-dancer-flatley-in-hospital-cancels-tour-idUSL1650524820061116 |title="'Celtic"' dancer Flatley in hospital, cancels tour |work=[[Reuters]] |last=Castle |first=Tim | date=November 16, 2006}}</ref> He was discharged two weeks later, andbut cancelled the said tour.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/lord-of-the-dance-star-flatley-leaves-hospital-7213562.html | title=Lord of the Dance star Flatley leaves hospital | work=[[London Evening Standard]] | date=November 18, 2006}}</ref>

===Television performances (2007–2009)===

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===Later work===

In January 2017, Flatley introduced his troupe for a performance at the [[inauguration of Donald Trump]] as president, to which he called it "a great honour".<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/television/its-a-great-honour-michael-flatley-responds-to-trump-inauguration-invitation-35382606.html |title='It's a great honour' - Michael Flatley responds to Trump inauguration invitation | date=January 20, 2017}}</ref> In 2021, he helped the World Irish Dancing Championships, a competition that he won in 1975, to launch a new competition for freestyle dance. The competition attracted in excess ofover 2,500 entrants.<ref name=Timl />

==Other ventures==

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[[File:Michael Flatley's feet.jpg|thumb|Flatley's feet at [[Wembley Square of Fame]]]]

In 1988, Flatley received a [[National Heritage Fellowship]], the highest folk-related honor awarded by the US [[National Endowment for the Arts]].<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.arts.gov/honors/heritage/michael-flatley | title=Michael Flatley |publisher=[[National Endowment for the Arts]]}}</ref>

In December 2001, Flatley became the first recipient of the Irish Dancing Commission Fellowship award (an honorary degree in Irish dance), and was also made a Fellow of the American Irish Dance Teachers' Association.<ref name=history>{{cite book | url=https://books.google.com/books?id=ujm2BQAAQBAJ&pg=PA306 |title=Irish Americans: The History and Culture of a People | first1=William E. | last1=Watson | first2=Eugene J. | last2=Halus Jr. | publisher=[[ABC-CLIO]] | pages=306 | date=2015 |isbn=9781610694674 }}</ref> In 2003 Flatley received a special award from Prince Rainier of Monaco for his charity work,<ref name=Indi>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/lord-of-the-dance-michael-flatley-launches-charity-campaign-to-help-homeless-39824737.html | title=Lord of the Dance Michael Flatley launches charity campaign to help homeless | work=[[Irish Independent]] | date=December 4, 2020}}</ref> and in March 2003 ''[[Irish America (magazine)|Irish America]]'' magazine named Flatley Irish American of the Year. In 2004, Flatley received an honorary doctorate degree from [[University College Dublin]], and that same year received the prestigious [[Ellis Island Medal of Honor]] in New York.<ref>{{cite news | last=Downes | first=John | title=Michael Flatley and Charlie Bird among those honoured by UCD | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/michael-flatley-and-charlie-bird-among-those-honoured-by-ucd-1.1164677 | newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] | date=November 3, 2004}}</ref><ref name=history/> In 2016 he received an honorary degree from the [[University of Limerick]].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://avondhupress.ie/michael-flatley-honoured-doctorate-university-limerick/ |title=Michael Flatley honoured with doctorate from University of Limerick | first=Eoin | last=Scanlon |date=May 7, 2016|website=The Avondhu Newspaper}}</ref>

In 2007, the ''Freedom of the City of Cork'' was conferred on Flatley at a ceremony in Cork's City Hall.<ref>{{cite news | last=Kelleher | first=Olivia |title=Freedom of Cork city conferred on Michael Flatley | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/news/freedom-of-cork-city-conferred-on-michael-flatley-1.1208840 | newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] | date=June 4, 2007}}</ref> In 2008, he was conferred withawarded the Freedom of the Borough of [[Sligo]] at a ceremony in Sligo City Hall.<ref name=smashes/> Also in 2008, The Variety Club of Ireland presented Flatley with their Entertainer of the Decade Award.<ref>{{cite news | title=Variety Club puts best foot forward with Flatley gong | url=https://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/variety-club-puts-best-foot-forward-with-flatley-gong-26430294.html | work=[[Irish Independent]] | date=March 14, 2008}}</ref>

In 2011, he was inducted into ''[[Irish America (magazine)|Irish America]]'' magazine's [[Irish America Hall of Fame]].<ref name=halloffame>{{cite news | url=http://irishamerica.com/2011/04/michael-flatley-irish-america-hall-of-fame/ | title=Michael Flatley: Irish America Hall of Fame | first=Debbie | last=McGoldrick | work=[[Irish America (magazine)|Irish America]] | date=April 2011}}</ref>

On October 24, 2013, Flatley received the Lifetime Achievement Award at ''[[The Irish Post]]'' Awards on [[Park Lane]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishpost.com/business/michael-flatley-irish-britain-shine-irish-post-business-gala-awards-16215 | title=Michael Flatley shines at Irish Post Business Awards | work=[[The Irish Post]] | date=November 6, 2013}}</ref> In 2015, a section of 42nd Street and Broadway in New York City was named "Flatley Way" for the artist. The honour corresponded with his opening of his show Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games at the nearby Lyric Theatre.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://toronto.citynews.ca/2015/11/10/ex-riverdance-star-michael-flatley-gets-a-rare-broadway-honour-a-street-renaming-on-broadway/ | title=Ex-'Riverdance' star Michael Flatley gets a rare Broadway honour, a street renaming on Broadway | first=Mark | last=Kennedy | work=[[CityNews]] | agency=[[Associated Press]] | date=November 10, 2015}}</ref> He received the Freedom of the City of London honour from London, UK, which names a number of specific actions those who receive the honor can take that others cannot—such as the ability to "drive a herd of sheep over London Bridge".<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/city-freedom-for-michael-flatley-eddie-jordan-and-dan-tim-osullivan-40911027.html | title=City 'freedom' for Michael Flatley, Eddie Jordan, and Dan Tim O'Sullivan | work=[[Irish Independent]] | date=October 3, 2021}}</ref>

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===Arms===

{{Infobox coat of arms wide

|name = Michael Ryan Flatley

|image = Arms of Michael Flatley.png

|notes = Flatley was granted [[Coat of arms|arms]] by Ireland's Chief Herald.

|year_granted = 2015

|escutcheon = Party per fess dancettée or and azure a pilepale wavy counterchanged.▼

|crest = From an ancient Irish crown or a stag's head argent attired of the first.▼

|torse = A wreath of the colours.

▲|escutcheon = Party per fess dancettée or and azure a pile wavy counterchanged.

▲|crest = From an ancient Irish crown or a stag's head argent attired of the first on a helmet mantled gules doubled argent.

|motto = Pede liberoLibero telluremTellurem pulsarPulsar

|symbolism = This horizontal, three-pointed, partition of the field of the shield is heraldically called dancetée while the pilepale wavy resembles a river, therefore alluding to his dancing career.}}

==Personal life==

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Flatley met Beata Dziaba in London's [[Royal Albert Hall]]. The couple married in 1986 in a Danish registry office; they divorced in 1997 after his multiple affairs with other women.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/lord-of-dance-strays-from-lovers-arms-to-step-out-alone-26410529.html |title=Lord of Dance strays from lover's arms to step out alone |website=[[Irish Independent]] |date=April 8, 2006}}</ref> In the early 2000s, Flatley was engaged to Lisa Murphy; she died in 2024, aged 51.<ref>{{Cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/irish-news/i-went-to-see-lisa-in-hospital-its-heartbreaking-michael-flatley-pays-tribute-as-ex-fiancee-murphy-dies-aged-51/a1757417050.html | title='I went to see Lisa in hospital, it's heartbreaking' – Michael Flatley pays tribute as ex-fiancée Murphy dies aged 51 | first1=Ralph | last1=Riegel | first2=Eugene | last2=Masterson | work=[[Irish Independent]] | date=February 2, 2024}}</ref>

In June 2006, Flatley began dating Niamh O'Brien, a longtime dancer from several of his shows. AccordingAs tothe [[CanonCatholic lawChurch ofdoes thenot Catholicrecognise Church|Canondivorce Law]]and does not marry divorcees, his first marriage as a Catholic in a civil wedding was not recognized in [[Canon law of the Catholic Church|Canon Law]] by the Church, so the 48 -year -old Flatley and Niamh, 32, were able to have a [[Roman Catholic]] ceremony.; Onon October 14, 2006 the couplethey married at St. Patrick's Church in [[Fermoy]], [[County Cork]], with a reception hosted inat Flatley's historic Castlehyde House, also located in Cork, Ireland.<ref>{{Cite web |title=OK WITH ME; Flatley married once and got divorced but now wants a church wedding... so his friendly local priest said that's EXCLUSIVE. - Free Online Library |url=https://www.thefreelibrary.com/OK+WITH+ME;+Flatley+married+once+and+got+divorced+but+now+wants+a...-a0151489445 |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=www.thefreelibrary.com}}</ref><ref name=":1" /><ref>{{cite news |last=Riegel |first=Ralph |date=September 29, 2006 |title=Lavish wedding day for dance lord Flatley |work=[[Irish Independent]] |url=https://www.independent.ie/woman/celeb-news/lavish-wedding-day-for-dance-lord-flatley-26367324.html}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Lord of the Dance Marries His Lady |url=https://www.irishamerica.com/2007/01/lord-of-the-dance-marries-his-lady/ | work=[[Irish America (magazine)|Irish America]] |date=1 January 2007}}</ref>

He and his wife have a son, Michael St. James, born in 2007.<ref>{{Cite web |date=April 26, 2007 |title=Dancer Michael Flatley announces birth of son |url=https://people.com/parents/dancer_announce/ |access-date=2022-07-14 |website=people.com |language=en}}</ref> They divide their time between a home in [[Monte Carlo]] and Castlehyde House in Ireland.<ref>{{Cite news |url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/if-i-have-been-accused-of-having-a-bit-of-ego-then-maybe-i-deserve-it-michael-flatley-talks-marriage-fatherhood-and-why-he-wont-be-selling-his-23m-mansion-41463263.html |title='If I have been accused of having a bit of ego then maybe I deserve it' - Michael Flatley talks marriage, fatherhood, and why he won't be selling his €23m mansion | work=[[Irish Independent]] |date=March 20, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Michael Flatley vetoed Cork home deal, 'I couldn't go through with the sale' |url=https://www.sundayworld.com/showbiz/irish-showbiz/michael-flatley-vetoed-cork-home-deal-i-couldnt-go-through-with-the-sale/39880036.html | first=Ralph | last=Riegel | work=[[Sunday World]] | date=19 December 2020}}</ref>

===Health===

In 2003, Flatley was treated for a [[malignant melanoma]], whichafter hea saidviewer wasof noticed[[MTV]] bypointed chance byout a viewerbrown spot on [[MTV]]the side of Flatley's face which Flatley himself had not noticed.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/riverdance-star-flatley-seriously-ill-in-hospital-424515.html |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220512/https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/this-britain/riverdance-star-flatley-seriously-ill-in-hospital-424515.html |archive-date=May 12, 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live | title='Riverdance' star Flatley seriously ill in hospital | first=Thair | last=Shaikh | work=[[The Independent]] | date=November 16, 2006}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Flatley undergoes surgery after diagnosis of aggressive cancer |url=https://www.independent.ie/news/michael-flatley-undergoes-surgery-after-diagnosis-of-aggressive-cancer-42279571.html |last=Riegel|first=Ralph|website=Independent.ie |date=11 January 2023|access-date=11 January 2023}}</ref> In January 2023, Flatley underwent surgery after diagnosis of an aggressive form of cancer.<ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Flatley diagnosed with 'aggressive form of cancer'|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/celebrity-news/michael-flatley-instagram-patrick-bergin-mi6-eric-roberts-b1052412.html |last=Evans | first=Connie | work=[[The Evening Standard]] | date=11 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |title=Michael Flatley has surgery after 'aggressive cancer' diagnosis |url=https://www.rte.ie/entertainment/2023/0111/1346164-michael-flatley/ |website=[[RTE]] |date=11 January 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/entertainment/news/michael-flatley-diagnosed-with-aggressive-form-of-cancer-42279663.html|title=Michael Flatley diagnosed with 'aggressive form of cancer' |last=Evans |first=Connie | work=[[Belfast Telegraph]] |date=11 January 2023}}</ref><ref name=Timl>{{cite news | url=https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/michael-flatley-cancer-battle-is-tough-but-i-dont-give-in-easily-3mj88mwm0|url-access=subscription | title=Michael Flatley - Cancer battle is tough but I don't give in easily | last=Corr | first=Julieanne | work=[[The Times]] | date=April 16, 2023}}</ref>

===Properties===

In 1997 Flatley purchased Park Villas Place in London after a bidding war against [[Madonna]], utlimately selling the home in 2024.<ref>https://www.standard.co.uk/homesandproperty/celebrity-homes/michael-flatley-park-place-villas-for-sale-madonna-b1174795.html</ref><ref>https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/cth-life/properties/michael-flatley-mansion/</ref> In 2001, Flatley purchased [[Castlehyde]] House, originally owned by [[Douglas Hyde]], the first president of Ireland, near [[Fermoy]] in north-east Cork, then in a derelict condition, for €3 million. Flatley spent €27 million renovating the mansion and another €20 million furnishing it with artwork and antiques. In 2015, Flatley purchased a mansion in [[Belgravia]], just off [[Eaton Square]], for €28 million and listed Castlehyde for sale for €20 million. He pulled it from the market after deciding he cannot part with the property.<ref name=":1">{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/life/home-garden/no-sale-michael-flatley-changes-tack-as-beloved-castlehyde-mansion-remains-for-sale-after-two-years-36404792.html | title=No sale: Michael Flatley changes tack as beloved Castlehyde mansion remains for sale after two years | first=Ralph | last=Riegel | work=[[independent.ie]] | date=December 13, 2017}}</ref>

In addition to Castlehyde and his London mansion, Flatley owns properties in the [[Caribbean]], New York, [[Beverly Hills, California|Beverly Hills]], [[France]], [[Italy]] and [[Villefranche-sur-Mer]]. He has invested a significant portion of his wealth in [[Berkshire Hathaway]].<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.independent.ie/business/irish/rich-list-2017/profiles/michael-flatley-35588076.html | title=Business Profiles: Michael Flatley | work=[[independent.ie]]}}</ref>

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==Fundraising==

Flatley has raised over €1 million for his charitable foundation by selling paintings made using his feet.<ref>{{cite news | url=https://www.irishtimes.com/culture/art-and-design/visual-art/michael-flatley-s-paintings-generate-sales-of-1-million-1.2305857 | title=Michael Flatley's paintings generate sales of €1 million | first=Michael | last=Parsons | newspaper=[[The Irish Times]] | date=August 4, 2015}}</ref> He has hosted annual Christmas fundraisers for vulnerable children at his estate. In 2010, Flatley participated in the fundraising JP McManus Pro-Am in [[Adare]], [[County Limerick]], Ireland.<ref>{{cite web | title=Golfing Stars shine bright at Adare Manor | url=https://www.jpmcmanusproam.com/golfing-stars-shine-bright-at-adare-manor/ | date=April 20, 2018}}</ref> In 2020 he created the "Flatley'sTapForTen challenge" in order to raise money for people found homeless due to the COVID-19 pandemic, benefiting the charities Depaul in Ireland and Centrepoint in the UK.<ref name=Indi /> He is also a supporter of the Irish Fund for Great Britain that provides social support for Irish citizens living in the UK.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/michael-flatley-supports-charity-cycle-for-forgotten-irish-698673|title=Michael Flatley supports charity cycle for 'Forgotten Irish'|website=Newstalk}}</ref>

He has also spent time as an advocate for cancer research. In 2021, Flatley was named an Ambassador of Culture for Co Saolfada, a cancer research advocacy program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.irishcentral.com/news/michael-flatley-county-cancer-survivors|title=Michael Flatley named Ambassador of new Irish county for cancer survivors|date=June 7, 2021|website=IrishCentral.com}}</ref> Flatley himself was diagnosed with malignant melanoma in 2003 and has since recovered.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.ie/entertainment/music/i-had-never-even-noticed-it-michaelflatley-reveals-malignant-skin-cancer-was-spotted-by-mtv-viewer-40558953.html|title=Michael Flatley: 'I had never even noticed it' – Flatley reveals malignant skin cancer was spotted by MTV viewer|website=independent|date=June 20, 2021 }}</ref> Flatley has also advocated an anti-war sentiment - in 2003 he performed the anti-war piece ''Warlord'' before an audience of national leaders meeting in St. Petersburg. In 2022 he spoke out against the [[Russian invasion of Ukraine]] and noted that performances of ''Lord of the Dance'' would raise money for related humanitarian relief efforts.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.irishcentral.com/roots/michael-flatley-anti-war-dance-putin |title=When Michael Flatley performed an anti-war dance in front of Russia's Putin | work=[[Irish Central]] |date=March 21, 2022}}</ref>

==In popular culture==